Why is the filamentous morphology of the water molds considered a case of convergent evolution?
A) Water molds evolved from filamentous fungi.
B) Body shape reflects ancestor-descendant relationships among organisms.
C) In both cases, filamentous shape is an adaptation for the absorptive nutritional mode of a decomposer.
D) Filamentous body shape is evolutionarily ancestral for all eukaryotes.
E) Both the first and second responses above are correct.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The filamentous shape in water molds and filamentous fungi is an adaptation for their absorptive nutritional mode as decomposers. This is an example of convergent evolution as both lineages evolved this similar body shape independently in response to similar selective pressures.

Answer: E
 The first answer is incorrect as water molds did not evolve from filamentous fungi. The second answer is incorrect as body shape does not always reflect ancestor-descendant relationships, especially in cases of convergent evolution. The correct explanation is provided in option C, which states that filamentous shape is an adaptation for the absorptive nutritional mode of a decomposer, which is a similar adaptation that evolved independently in both water molds and filamentous fungi.

Why Is the Filamentous Morphology of the Water Molds Considered